“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” - Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall inspired countless scientists, environmentalists, and seekers of truth. Her work with chimpanzees in East Africa broke new ground and represented one of the largest scientific achievements of the last century. Jane Goodall challenged conventional wisdom not only with her findings but also by being herself. Emerging as one of the most famous and recognizable scientists and champions for conservation, she changed the face of science, reminding us that “it doesn’t take much to be a difficult woman, that’s why there are so many of us.” The world lost Jane Goodall on Wednesday at the age of 91.
Rest in Power, Jane. We are forever grateful for your wisdom, empathy, and compassion.
We cannot do her justice in a short post. Instead, we focus on what is happening in the US and world and how others are making a difference. As Jane Goodall said, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
We will never stop fighting for justice. This means standing up for freedom and speaking against injustice and authoritarianism everywhere.
take action
No Kings rallies around the US and world, October 18th - find your rally here. We encourage attending your rally in costume, taking inspiration from the folks in Portland, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois.
Sign the petition: no paychecks or benefits for US Congress until the shutdown is over.
Support the Sudan Solidarity Collective, a mutual aid volunteer drive collective focused on continuing to shine a light on the brutal war in Sudan and providing frontline relief where possible.
bookmark this
Check out this Innovation Ecosystem jobs board and share with folks who are looking for work.
50501’s resources to help respond to federal occupying forces.
Faculty First Responders is a peer-to-peer support for academic freedom.
weekly win
Morocco becomes the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, triggering the 120-day countdown until the treaty becomes legally effective. Several other countries followed suit – including Madagascar and Kenya – in ratifying the treaty last week.
Weekly wonder
Not a cure, but incredible progress: A new treatment may slow the progression of Huntington’s disease by as much as 75%.
Check it out
Has your science funding been cut? The New York Times wants to hear from you.
Northwestern students were blocked from registering for classes unless they watch a pro-Israel training video: “The training is not just about silencing speech, but achieving consent so that we are complicit”
A new study finds that societal inequity leads to structural changes in children’s brains, which may have impacts on long term mental and cognitive health.
The Trump administration continues its war on women, declaring - without evidence - that women should not take acetaminophen during pregnancy or put their fetus at risk for autism. Medical professionals have come out in force to rebut the administration’s claims.
Expert Voices Together provides trauma-informed support to journalists and researchers whose vital public-interest work is being undermined by coordinated campaigns of abuse and harassment. We are so grateful!
Around the world
Anti-government protests around the world show the influence of Gen-Z to demand their governments support health care, education, and more (e.g. Morocco, Nepal, Madagascar, Kenya)
There have been devastating consequences of the destruction of USAID, including the deaths of many children. Even though Elon Musk is not currently in the limelight, never forget that this is squarely on his shoulders.
more of this please
Folks showed up in droves to help after typhoon devastates the tourist town of Guangfu, Taiwan
Academic institutions must create mutual defense compacts and stand up for academic freedom.
“No thanks” from MIT on the compact for academic excellence, “And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan activist fighting for democracy.
Perennial reads
A long read about Peter Thiel and how his doomsday obsessions have permeated the current US administration. Why this matters:
Its not just in the US - Thiel, Musk, and other billionaires are buying influence and spreading similar ideologies across the world
book nook
“Bitch: On the Female of the Species” by Lucy Cooke, a witty and academic exploration of the lives of female animals and the women who study them.
“Read this when things fall apart: Letters to activists in crisis” edited by Kelly Hayes.
all ears
Check out the “The Only Good Planet” episode from A Matter of Degrees podcast, an interview with Dr. Kate Marvel about her book “Human Nature” .
…by the way
The only 29 words to say when you’re getting pulled over